Addiction Psychiatrist - Recovery from Addictions Program

The Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking an experienced Addiction Psychiatrist to assist in the care and treatment of individuals in the RAP program. The Psychiatrist will provide evaluation and treatment for patients admitted to the RAP program.

More specifically this position will be a member of a multidisciplinary team who will be responsible for providing and expanding access to evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders (SUDs) and co-occurring mental health disorders at the RAP.

Additionally, the Addiction Psychiatrist will provide consultation on SUD cases, supervision and training of clinicians providing therapy for patients with SUD and help develop programming for treatment/management of SUDs.

Please Note: The work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, with Sunday and Saturday as days off. This salary reflects Board Certification.

Day in the Life Video

Curious about what it is like to work as a Psychiatrist in our organization? Check out this Day in the Life Video to learn more about the meaningful work, team culture, and impact you will have in this role.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

Conducts diagnostic assessments on individuals with substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental illness, conducting risk assessments of individuals with known substance use disorders.

Providing the clinically indicated and evidence based treatment for individuals with active substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Providing evaluation and evidence based treatment for those with dual diagnoses (mental illness and substance use disorder).

Completes data collection forms as required by the Department of Mental Health and maintains accurate statistics on work products, clinical treatment assessment and consultation activity as required by DMH.

Maintains a current working knowledge of developments, trends, policies, and procedures in the generic substance use treatment system and mental health systems and in the provision of substance use services to persons involved in the civil and criminal justice system through training and through regular and required continuing education as necessary to maintain a current license and board certification.

Responsible for maintaining current level of expertise through obtaining CMEs, attending DMH general and SUD management trainings.

Provides clinical consultation to teams that are managing individuals with severe SUD and/or dual diagnoses.

Provides supervision, support and oversight as assigned regarding psychiatric trainees and review and approval of necessary documentation of psychiatric training rotations within recovery services. May assist in similar supervision, and training oversight functions for other mental health professionals in training within recovery services.

Attends staff meetings, team conferences, lectures, seminars, educational classes, and meetings of professional and community organizations to facilitate the exchange of information about therapeutic techniques, psychiatric theory, and service needs.

Requirements

An Addiction Psychiatry Certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology is required for this function.

• Ability in Public Speaking.
• Ability to establish rapport with persons from varied ethnic, cultural and/or economic backgrounds.

Ability to understand and apply federal and state laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned clinical activities.

Ability to gather information through questioning and observing individuals and by examining records and documents.

Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and maintain accurate records.

Ability (a) to recognize symptoms of mental, emotional and substance use disorders; (b) to interact with people who are experiencing varying levels of distress and dysfunction; and (c) to analyze psychological data, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.

Ability to complete computer-based data collection forms and the degree of computer literacy required for completing reports.

Ability to treat mental illness and substance use disorders.

Ability to treat persons with substance use challenges who also have co-occurring mental illness and trauma history.

Ability to conduct risk management assessments and evaluate participant progress in accordance with M.G.L. c. 123, s. 35 and s. 12.

Ability to work under considerable time pressure, to work on multiple tasks at one time, and to produce high-quality clinical interventions according to applicable standards and guidelines.

Considerable knowledge of types and symptoms of mental, emotional and substance use disorders.

Knowledge of psychopharmacology and medical conditions, behavioral therapeutic techniques; familiarity with theories of psychotherapy and counseling, and an understanding of current treatment approaches available for individuals with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders, including complex personality disorders and traits.

Knowledge of and the ability to explain the provisions of laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, and standards governing assigned activities to individuals, families and community providers.

• Knowledge of the social determinates of health.
• Knowledge of human services, juvenile justice, and criminal justice systems.
• Knowledge of 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA regarding privacy protections.
• Knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of psychiatry.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of medicine.
• Knowledge of diagnostic and treatment methods and techniques used in the field of psychiatry.
• Knowledge of the types and characteristics of drugs used in providing psychiatric care.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of the factors, trends and problems in providing psychiatric care services to clients.
• Knowledge of the terminology and standard abbreviations used in the field of medicine.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of equipment, instruments, materials and supplies used in psychiatric testing.
• Knowledge of the social determinates of health.
• Knowledge of the theories and principles of human growth and development.

Preferred Qualifications

Current working knowledge of developments, trends, policies, and procedures in the generic substance use treatment system and mental health systems and in the provision of substance use services to persons involved in the civil and criminal justice system.

• Understanding of psychiatric conditions and the treatment of psychiatric conditions.
• Demonstrated capacity to work cooperatively within an interdisciplinary team and with other clinicians.
• Knowledge of methods and procedures in the field of general medicine; and of principles of the development, implementation, and documentation of individualized care and treatment plans.
• Ability to recognize medical conditions and refer for appropriate care.
• Skilled in conducting biopsychosocial assessments and prescribing mental health medications.
• Thoroughness, independence and excellent written and oral communication skills.

Competence in maintaining accurate records and exercise discretion in handling confidential information; resolve problems and conflicts in a diplomatic and tactful manner.

Ability to participate in annual training as well as any other required specific training in order to assure up to date skills and knowledge in required areas.

Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

About the Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP)

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) in collaboration with the Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services operates a statewide Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP) for individuals civilly committed by the courts for substance use treatment for up to 90 days (“Section 35 commitment”).

The program model will provide acute detoxification and early clinical stabilization services as we help clients develop community-based linkages to outpatient supports and substance use disorder treatment providers.

The individuals treated within this program will be linked upon discharge to a range of services within the DPH continuum of care for substance use conditions. RAP provides administrative, medical, clinical, and non-clinical services. Its mission to provide quality client-centered care and recovery-oriented treatment.

DMH Vision and Mission

The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities.

The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research.

This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers, and communities.

Learn more: mass.gov

Pre-Hire Process

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit mass.gov and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

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